Euthanasia

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Definition: Euthanasia refers to the act of causing painless death to a person suffering from a hopelessly incurable and painful disease.

  • Administration: It advocates the administration of lethal doses of opium or other narcotic drugs.
  • Legal Status: Euthanasia has no legal sanction.

Types of Euthanasia:

  1. Active Euthanasia:
    • Description: An intentional act (commission) aimed at hastening death.
    • Example: Giving large doses of drugs to accelerate the dying process.
  2. Passive Euthanasia:
    • Description: Involves discontinuing or not using extraordinary life-sustaining measures.
    • Acts of Omission: Decisions to withhold treatment or remove life support.
  3. Voluntary Euthanasia:
    • Definition: Carried out at the will of the person who is suffering.
  4. Involuntary Euthanasia:
    • Definition: Performed against the will of the person, often compulsory.
  5. Non-Voluntary Euthanasia:
    • Definition: Applies to individuals incapable of expressing their wishes (e.g., persons in a coma).
  6. Pediatric Euthanasia: Pertains to seriously sick or deformed infants.

Legal Status in India:

  • Recent Development: Since March 2018, passive euthanasia is accepted in India under strict court guidelines.
  • Offense: Otherwise, it remains an offense under Section 309 IPC (attempted suicide) or under Section 306 IPC (abetment of suicide).